Dr Alex Baker

Assistant Professor, Chemistry

“I was interested to find out if I could turn Science Fiction into Science Fact!”

“I was asked by the Royal Institution to do a lecture. I didn’t want to do another standard ‘here’s my research’ type one. I wanted to do something that would be of interest to the audience and would resonate with people of all ages. And the date for the lecture, May the 4th, otherwise known as Star Wars Day! So, the ‘Chemistry of Star Wars’ was created.

Obviously, I love Star Wars. I mean, one of my social media names is AB1Kenobi, that gets eyebrows raised in research presentations sometimes! I wasn’t trying to prove the film wrong and say it’s not possible, I wanted to demonstrate how we can get as near to it with today’s chemistry. Questions like could we make a lightsaber, can we really freeze Han Solo, recreate a Storm Trooper’s armour or power a Star Destroyer using green energy. You’ll have to come to one of the lectures to find out. It really is fascinating though, and it’s been great to bring Chemistry to a wider audience.

There’s also a serious side to my work. During the COVID-19 lockdown my research was applied to tackling the problems of COVID-19 diagnosis. Long story short, we were one of the first groups able to prove that coronavirus could be sensed in a rapid lateral flow device. Which I’m sure you’ve all had the pleasure of using at some point during the pandemic.

That technology is now being used to detect venom in snake bites. I had a gap between school and starting university, so went to teach science at an orphanage in Nepal for a short time. While I was there, I saw the impact that snake bites had in less economically developed countries, so was always interested in that area. I set up the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group and now I’ve been able to do something to help. Despite the rumours we don’t actually have any snakes in the lab, but we do have some sample venom!

I remember not doing that well in Chemistry GCSE, I wasn’t very good at the practical side. I was all set to start medicine, but I came here on a Chemistry offer holder open day and my head was turned. So, I certainly wasn’t expecting to win any awards, but I’m pleased to say that my work has been recognised and I’m making a difference with my research. Long may it continue and may the force be with you!”